JPR leads Welsh anger over coach's call

By omitting Gavin Henson from the first Test, Sir Clive Woodward has caused indignation in Wales. Criticism from high-profile figures in the principality has been quick to follow.

The former Wales and Lions' full-back JPR Williams was scathing in his reaction. "We are going into the first Test without having shown any real pattern," he said. "The only certainty is that the team on Saturday will be stuffed full of Englishman and play a boring game: so much for Wales's Six Nations success."

Williams questioned whether Woodward knew what he was doing. "I want to be supportive of the Lions. But I just can't figure out what Woodward's plan is - if there is a plan."

Alun Donovan, the adviser to the Wales coach Mike Ruddock and a former international inside-centre, was equally unimpressed.

"I did not expect Will Greenwood to feature in the international series," he said. "He was at his peak a few years ago and I thought he would be on the tour to maintain the professionalism of the midweek side.

"It will be a shock for Gavin, but he has to cope with it and bounce back. If he is not in the squad for the first Test, it does not mean he will not be involved in the next two and that is how he has to look at it. He has had setbacks before and I am sure he will cope.

"I am not sure if Woodward will pick Greenwood at inside-centre or put Stephen Jones there. The big disappointment is that Gordon D'Arcy has done little in the warm-up matches and the options at 12 are limited with no one like Mike Tindall to carry the ball, which makes it surprising that Tom Shanklin has been confined to the wing."

A problem for Henson is that he has not struck up a working relationship with Wilkinson. Henson is strong when someone is running head on at him but less certain when having to tackle from the side. Wilkinson, since his shoulder operation, is less effective when a ball-carrier is running at him and more at home defensively in the centre.

"I do not think Gavin's demotion is an English thing," said Donovan. "It is more an indication that Woodward wants to play a tighter game than Wales, concentrating more on getting over the gain-line than getting the ball wide quickly."

"I feel for the Lions under Woodward because he has clearly already made some crucial errors," added Williams. "I don't rate any of the England second-rowers. But one or two will make the side. The back row will be England. And, of course, Wilkinson will get the nod ahead of Stephen Jones."

Williams also ventured that the performances of Wales' wing Shane Williams and No8 Ryan Jones against Otago would count for nothing. "They won't be given a chance because I think Woodward will pick a lot of English players."